REAL ID Information

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The state legislature passed and Governor Burgum signed the final implementation bill for REAL ID during the 65th Legislative Session in 2017.

What does REAL ID do?

REAL ID implements security processes designed to reduce identity fraud and provide the highest certainty that the individual with the identity document in front of you is who he or she says he or she is. Documents scanned will verify birthplace, current residence, etc.

It prohibits Federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet requirements for official purposes such as: boarding an airplane or obtaining access to a federal building.

What does REAL ID not do?

It does not create a federal database or federally controlled or issued identification document. The U.S. Passport does that.

It does not replace a passport used for international travel such as visiting Canada or other countries.

It does not include an RFID chip in it. The Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) does have the chip in it which provides information to a federal database.

When do I need to have a REAL ID driver’s license?

Your present license remains valid until its expired date, as North Dakota has received a waiver from the US Department of Homeland Security. This means your current ND driver’s license and identification card is accepted for access into federal facilities, including military installations and boarding aircraft until October 2020.

What does a REAL ID Driver’s License do?

It allows a North Dakota resident to use their driver’s license as a form of identification to complete domestic airline travel and access a federal facility such as a federal courthouse or airbase.

What happens to the information collected?

Unlike a passport, the REAL ID information is scanned and retained in the state driver’s license system. It is state data so it is kept in-state only. The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 has no requirement for this data to be shared with anyone. We do not share personal private information except as provided in NDCC 39-33.

The bill approved by the legislature in 2017 makes these documents “not part of the public record,” so the security of the data is enhanced and unobtainable for non-official purposes.

What does the Opt-In feature mean?

The Opt-In Opt-Out feature enables you to have a choice on whether you want to get a REAL ID driver’s license or not. If you choose to Opt-In you will be able to use your driver’s license as a form of identification to complete domestic airline travel and access a federal facility.

The Opt-Out feature also lets you choose to Opt-Out of the REAL ID process and not obtain a REAL ID driver’s license. This means you will see no change in how you currently renew your driver’s license and you will not receive a REAL ID driver’s license. Some people may choose to Opt-Out because they plan to use their passport for identification when traveling or they don’t plan on doing any domestic airline travel or accessing of a federal facility.

North Dakota REAL ID Update

Real ID documents can be obtained at the following Driver’s License offices across the state during regular business hours. Please check the NDDOT website at dot.nd.gov for locations and hours.

Additional Information

As of October 2017, the US Department of Homeland Security has provided a waiver to the State of North Dakota for compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005. This means the current ND Driver’s License and Identification Card is accepted for access into federal facilities, including military installations and boarding aircraft, until October 2020. After October 2020, only REAL ID compliant credentials will be accepted for this purpose.

A few things to consider:

First time issued Real ID documents must be obtained in person at a Driver's License site.

We have an online scheduling system which allows residents to make an appointment to obtain a REAL ID compliant credential. We encourage you to make an appointment as office wait times will be impacted. Please visit this website to make an appointment: https://go.nemoqappointment.com/Booking/Booking/Index/5KIDD4bcNote: Appointments can be made at Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, and Grand Forks.

The fee for a compliant credential is the same as the fee for a non-compliant credential. If you are renewing and keeping a non-compliant credential, it is $15. If you are renewing and upgrading to a REAL ID compliant credential, it is $15. If you are not renewing but getting a REAL ID compliant credential out of cycle, it is $8.

You are not required to obtain a REAL ID compliant credential. However, if you choose not to, the DL/ID will NOT be accepted for entry to federal facilities, such as military installations, or boarding of domestic flight airlines, after October 1, 2020.

Please be aware, there are some documents you will need in your possession before you arrive at the driver’s license office to get your REAL ID. Please see Required Documentation Information on the tab on the left side or if on a mobile device see information below.

Required Documentation Information

To obtain a REAL ID compliant driver license, permit, or ID card you must present proper documentation. The following documentation from each category 1, 2, and 3 is required:

Category 1

1. Proof of Identification

All individuals applying for a permit, license, or Identification card must show proof of identity, date of birth, legal presence in the United States, by presenting one of the documents listed below. As a reminder, no photocopies; no hospital certificates; all documents must be original or certified copies only:

U.S. birth certificate (state certified; Government issued)

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport

Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State

Certificate of Naturalization

Certificate of Citizenship

Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card

Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Card

Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with I-94

I-94 Card stamped Refugee or Asylee

If your current name is different than the name on your identity document, you will need to bring additional proof of your legal name. Acceptable documents for proof of name change are a certified marriage certificate, a certified adoption document or a certified court order authorizing a name change (no photocopies, court seal required).

Individuals born in North Dakota may obtain a copy of their certified birth certificate by contacting Vital Records at the North Dakota Department of Health (visit www.ndhealth.gov/vital for details.)

Category 2

2. Proof of your social security number by presenting one of the documents listed below:

Social Security Card (the actual blue and white paper card)

W-2 Form

SSA 1099 Form

Non-SSA 1099 Form

Pay stub (must contain name and social security number)

Category 3

3. Proof of North Dakota residence address by presenting TWO documents from the list below. In the event you are unable to provide the required documents please contact 855-633-6835 for guidance on potential alternatives.

Most current government issued property tax statement

Current mortgage/lease/rental document

Current homeowners/renter's insurance policy

Current utility bill (electricity, gas, water, sewer, cable, recycle)

School/College Transcript issued within 6 months

Current financial statement (issued by financial institution, government entity, government regulated entity)

Current pay stub or statement from employer

Current vehicle insurance policy/statement

Current resident certificate issued by a North Dakota Tribal Agency

Current formal resident statement issued by property owner/renter

Relief Agency or Shelter Certification

Parent's proof of address for minor child (under 18)

All documents must contain your name and current physical residence address. Post Office boxes are NOT acceptable for residence address. No photocopies, all documents must be original or certified copies only.